Right Brain VS Left Brain Functions

Right Brain VS Left Brain Functions

The human brain is divided into two distinct cerebral hemisphere connected by the corpus callosum which give as right brain VS left brain functions. The sides resemble each other but the functions of each side are distinctly different. While no one is really left brained or right brained only, unless a hemisphere is removed, it is quite interesting to see how people test. Broad generalizations are made in popular psychology about certain function on one side or the other. Actually, scientists continue to explore how some cognitive functions tend to be dominated by one side or the other, that is, how they are lateralized. The left side of your brain controls the right side of your body and vice verso for the right side. Different parts of the brains control different functions of the body.

Brain anatomy is very interesting and we know there are specific differences in the two sides. For instance, the lateral sulcus generally is longer in the left hemisphere than in the right hemisphere, but we don’t always see any functional differences. If a specific area of the brain is injured its functions sometimes can be assumed by another area of the brain.

Brain Picture with Right and Left Sides

Brain Divided into two Sections

"Split Brain" Experiments by Roger Sperry

In 1981, Roger Sperry won the Nobel Prize as he conducted called the “Split brain” experiments. A patient suffered from uncontrolled seizures and had an area of his brain removed by surgery in an attempt to control his illness, which was the corpus callosum. After the surgery the patient seemed to function normally as he could walk, talk and eat, however some astounding results occurred. They conducted tests individually on both sides of the body. For instance, the right eye and hand could name an object such as a pencil but could not explain what it was used for. The left eye and hand couldn’t name it but it could demonstrate how to use it.

According to Roger Sperry (1973), “The main theme to emerge... is that there appear to be two modes of thinking, verbal and nonverbal, represented rather separately in left and right hemispheres respectively and that our education system, as well as science in general, tends to neglect the nonverbal form of intellect. What it comes down to is that modern society discriminates against the right hemisphere.”

Functions of Right and Left Brain

Photo Courtesy of Brain 4 Electrons

Brain Mapping

Photo of Brain Mapping at Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic's Brain Mapping

Brain mapping is an advance neurosurgical procedure used to identity which areas of the brain controls various functions and this surgery is currently being studied at Mayo Clinic.

Typically mind mapping is used for patients with certain types of brain tumors or epileptic seizures when the diseased is found in areas of the brain that effect the patient’s vision, language and body movement. The patient is initially is initially put to sleep so numbing medication can be given, then awakened while the neurosurgeon stimulates the brain and they might be asked to move in a particular way or look at something specific. The patient is not in pain. A three-dimensional computer image of mapping software is used taking images before the surgery and during the surgery as a guide.

The neurosurgeon removes the tumor or the damaged tissue which would then stop the patient from having multiple seizures. Highly trained and experienced neuroanesthesiologists specifically trained in this type of surgery are necessary so the patient feels no pain. Other specialist assesses the body movement, speech and language skills and a computer engineer manages the computer guided imagery.

Left Brain Vs Right Brain Education

Characteristics of Both Sides of Brain

While this very precise work is being done, there are still some characteristic thought to be more left or right sided. We are all a mixture of the characteristics from both sides.

Color Chart

Photo Courtesy of Officespam

Summary

Also, particularly as we age, it is good to play mind games or use brain teasers to keep your mind sharp, as it needs exercise just as much as your body does. This is a website that gives you a free test at no cost:

Since we live in a world that is hugely left-brained, we end up with a more material focus than a spiritual one. The language of the spirit is intuition, impressions, images, feeling, and pictures. It is interesting to look at your life habits, the way you relate to others and see if you can figure out which is a right brain VS left brain function

Do you know if you are predominately a right brain or a left brian thinker?

Comments

To comment on this article, you must sign in or sign up and post using a HubPages Network account.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 3 years agofrom United States

dahoglund, I also think this is an interesting topic, as were your results of the test. I appreciate your comments.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 3 years agofrom United States

Patricia, That is so interesting that you used your knowledge to enhance the learning capability of the children. Thanks so much for your comments as always and thanks for the share. God bless.

Don A. Hoglund 3 years agofrom Wisconsin Rapids

I took a test that someone gave me to try. The result was that I am almost split down the middle, maybe a slight favoring of the left side. Interesting subject.

Patricia Scott 3 years agofrom sunny Florida

Hi Pamela

This topic always fascinates me even though I have taken many classes on the subject and have those in my family who have had /have brain tumors.

The subject is particular interest as a teacher (even though I am retired I will always be one). We used many strategies and techniques involving fostering use of the whole brain. I learned specific physical activities that I believe helped my students to learn better. I may just be prompted to write about those experiences thanks to your inspiration. Angels are on the way to you today. ps

Voted up++++ shared tweeted g+

Author

Pamela Oglesby 3 years agofrom United States

ausmedus, Thank you so much for your comments.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 3 years agofrom United States

ausmedus, I am very happy that you enjoyed this hub, and thank you so much for your comments.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 4 years agofrom United States

My account has been hacked. Hubpages has not been able to figure how to hlpe yet. I have had literally hundreds of emails from "annymous," the name is in black letters. Click on the name and nothing happens. They have started using the names of people that have been banned from Hubpages. I changed my password, deleted my email account and opened a new one. This hacker was using my new account within the hour. The only thing that stops him is to be on vacation, which means I cannot get any comments at all. I thought everyone should be aware that this could happen to you.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 4 years agofrom United States

ausmedus, I am glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciate your comments.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 4 years agofrom United States

I hope you are going to make great progress in this area. Thanks for your comments.

jklahlou 4 years ago

I agree Wikipedia should never be relied upon, but its a great heuristic. As a student of neuroscience I haven't been taught of any insofar other than a predominance of the language areas to be in the left hemisphere. It would be false to say that one side of the brain is for one thing and the other for another (analytic and creative), and has been falsified using neuroimaging techniques on humans (EEG & fMRI).

The areas brain can and have been mapped and their functions have been understood (at least partly).

The same point was made on the top comments on the YouTube video 'Left vs. Right brain education'.

I agree, scientists have a very long way to go in understanding the brain, something I wish (and hope) to do in the future. 'Neuroplasticity' is a magical thing, where the surrounding tissues take on the functions of a specific area of the brain that has been damaged and the person starts to recover.

Keep up the great writing!

Author

Pamela Oglesby 4 years agofrom United States

jklahlou, There is some truth to that, but Wickpedia is not considered the most reliable souce for accurate information. There are some proven anatomical differences between the two sides and Mayo Clinc's brain mapping has been helpful for neurosurgeons. I have heard stories where people had one side of their brain damaged and over time the other side is capable of taking over some new functions. I think scientist still have a lot to learn about the brain. I appreciate your comments.

jklahlou 4 years ago

Your article is well written, however there is little lateralization of function that I know of other than language (Broca's and Wernickes area's).

Wikipedia: "Broad generalizations are often made in popular psychology about one side or the other having characteristic labels, such as "logical" for the left side or "creative" for the right. These labels need to be treated carefully; although a lateral dominance is measurable, both hemispheres contribute to both kinds of processes, and experimental evidence provides little support for correlating the structural differences between the sides with such broadly-defined functional differences."

Author

Pamela Oglesby 4 years agofrom United States

Famousidiot, I am glad you enjoyed this hub and I appreciate your comments. I will email you.

Famousidiot 4 years ago

I always love studying and knowing about BRAIN. and now i took the test.. its 48 % left and 52 % right... i guess i am balanced.. the test result is right . well.. could i get more deep into it.. can you give your email to contact you? or .. mail me.. my id is fakrutheidiot@gmail.com

Sallie Smith 5 years agofrom Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

very fantastic and clear explanation about the most complex chemical machine in the world, i.e, Our intelligent brain...........Liked it, voted for it.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 5 years agofrom United States

Jeshrash, I appreciate your comments.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

Kimura, Email me at genealogyrus@google.com and I will send you my last name. I have no problem with your using the hub for as essay.

Kimura 6 years ago

I need to use your hub as a reference for a point im making in an essay - but i have to have the authors name and cant put Pamela99 down as your last name, would it be possible to have your last name for this purpose?

Thanks

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

janin palafox, Thank you so much for your comments and I'm glad the hub was helpful to you.

westwoodlaser, I appreciate your comments.

westwoodlaser 6 years ago

Its a very interesting topic you have chosen, Really i enjoyed a lot while reading this hub.

janin palafox 6 years ago

i really think this information do help me realize a lot of things, not only about the functions of the brain but also the things we do and the thoughts that make us grow...

thank you for sharing this awesome info. it's very useful specially that I'm a student. it can make me deal, enhance, and perform well both of my right and left brain.

thanks again.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

Lovely 7, Thank you so much for your comments.

Lovely 7 6 years ago

Pamela

Very informative hub.

Thanks for sharing

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

tarajeyaram, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciate your comments.

tarajeyaram 6 years agofrom Wonderland

Great hub! I loved reading it. Thank you for sharing.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

Kris Heeter, I'm so glad you enjoyed this hub and I very much appreciate your comments.

Kris Heeter 6 years agofrom Indiana

Very useful hub. The biologist in me loves this kind of stuff!

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

susan54, It's fun to find out where we stand. Thanks for your comments.

susan54 6 years ago

Pamela, I love your hubs so much!! I think I'm 65% Right brain and 35% left brain.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

Jeshrash, I agree and am glad you enjoyed the hub. I appreciate your comments.

Jeshrash 6 years agofrom USA Washington

In order to become successful in life we need a wide vision of knowledge and I learn something in your hub. Keep up the good work!

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

yanastenson, Thank you so much for your comments.

yanastenson 6 years agofrom Toronto

I love the way you research your content and makes it very help full. I did 48L 52R on the test.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

Mona, It's interesting how we are all different. I appreciate your comments.

mona 6 years ago

great job but am 49% left & 51% right brain while i believed against as getting white hair even in left side which i believe its because my left side brain works harder ... thanks again and please notify me more in this case.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

asktheexpert. I am not familiar with these tests and doubt their accuracy. You could search the internet for these tests. I think noting the characteristics for the left and right brain and comparing them to yourself is helpful. Thanks for your comment.

asktheexperts 6 years agofrom St George

I had heard that there was a test as simple as folding your arms or interlocking your fingers and seeing which on was on top. That could show which side of your brain was dominant. Do you know about those tests? Are they accurate? And how do I go about finding them?

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

Somtui, I think all numbers are probably good. We are all different, which makes the human race interesting. Thanks for your comment.

Somtui 6 years ago

I did 50 51 on the left vs right brain test is that a good thing?

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

Science Jon, I suppose it would be common that twins would be the same. I think many of us are not all one way as to the left or right brain. I appreciate you comments.

Science Jon 6 years ago

I am definitely right brained, though I have a few cross-overs. For instance, I tend to be more intuitive over repetitive and conceptual over organized. Not sure what that means, but my twin is the same way. Perhaps there are "hybrids"? That sounds weird!

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

KKGals, I am glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciate your comments.

Susan Haze 6 years agofrom Sunny Florida

Pamela, fascinating information. I am definitely a right brain kind of person.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

Bilainr, Thank you so much for your gracious comment.

Bilalnr 6 years agofrom Islamabad, Pakistan

Thanks Pamela99 for sharing this hub....

Awesome work!!!

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

crystolite, Thank you so much for your comment.

Emma 6 years agofrom Houston TX

Informative article,thanks.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

gajanis, I very much appreciate your comments.

Blissfulwriter, I would like to read the hub. The brain and how it functions is very fascinating. Thanks so much for your comments.

BlissfulWriter 6 years ago

Jill Taylor is a brain scientist who had a stroke that disabled her left brain. She tells her story in her amazing TED conference video that had spread across the internet. Her book is "My Stroke of Insight".

The left-brain is also the seat of the ego. It is interesting to note that when she lost her ego, she found a certain amount of peace and she lost of her sense of time (no more rushing -- time didn't matter to her). The right-brain see the "big picture", while the left-brain is sequential. More about her story in Hub http://hubpages.com/t/bf859

gajanis786 6 years ago

Very informative and useful hub......thanks.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 6 years agofrom United States

Katie, The sky is the limit! Thanks for the comment.

katiem2 6 years agofrom I'm outta here

Very interesting, I'm both analytical and creative, hummmm right brain vs left brain, I just try to use more of it as the possibilities limitless. Thanks :) Katie

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

Docmo, Thank you so much for your comments and your additional explanations. I absolutely agree with you.

Mohan Kumar 7 years agofrom UK

Fantastic article. lClear, succint and explaisn the theories and experiments very well. I am a medical teacher and use a lot of right brain actions in teaching creativity and contingency. Professional education tends to stifle right brain thinking and this needs ot thrive to allow the next Newtons, Einsteins,Curies, Franklins and Edisons to blossom. Voted up & useful.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

Support Med, Thank you so much for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the article.

Support Med. 7 years agofrom Michigan

Great article!! So true, we need both sides!! I will refer often to this article. Very educational and interesting. Voted/rated.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

Martie,Thank you for all the additional information. Maybe this test is a bit different than the one you took before. I appreciate your comments.

Martie Coetser 7 years agofrom South Africa

Gosh, I almost missed this one, and it is one of my most favorite interests. I think the brain is the most awesome organ in the body. And imagine, we use only 5-7% of it. Why? I also did the test – for the 3rd time in my life – and was quite surprise. The last time I was 50-50, and now I am 60-40 (left dominant). I wonder how/why this happened? Did you know they regard music tuition as the best developer of both sides simultaneously – in order to become 50-50? Thank you so much for this hub, Pamela. I really appreciate this. Take care.

PS.: There are people – in the right side of their brains nothing is right, and in the left side nothing is left.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

Thank you for sharing all the information about yourself. I appreciate your comments.

richtwf 7 years ago

You're absolutely right when you say that we live in a mainly left-brain biased world. At school when children in their early life are so creative, they seem to lose their natural creative ability as they progress through their schooling and it's a shame see this happen to many of them. It's great to have facts and knowledge but more importantly is the ability to use the imagination to resolve problems and challenges creatively.

I was more left-brained until my mid 30's but with mind-mapping and now writing poetry I'm now starting to develop more of my right side. It would be nice to be right and left brain balanced and that is goal I'm aiming for!

Thanks for sharing this very useful hub. Cheers!

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

Desiree, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub. I don't think being a lefty makes thought to much different then being right handed. I have 3 boys are 1 is a lefty, 1 right and 1 really ambidextrous. Thanks for your comment.

Desiree Edwin 7 years ago

This is pretty fascinating stuff. The brain mapping is really cool, but I always think of someone's head open and someone poking it, "what does that make you feel?" lol. I think that part grosses me out lol! Being a lefty, you always wonder what those right-handers are thinking and if they are really that different from you lol. Thanks for the page. I learned a lot.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

Wendy, It is fun to figure out. Thanks for your comment.

Wendy Krick 7 years agofrom Maryland

This was a fun hub. I think I'm a right brain thinker.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

Leanman, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub. The brain is fascinating and I think we still have much to learn. Thanks for your comments.

Tony 7 years agofrom At the Gemba

This is one of the most interesting hubs I have read, I have always been fascinated by the workings of the human brain.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

Ret, I am glad you learned something useful from the hub. I believe many people are close to using both. Thanks for your comments.

twentyfive, I guess we live and learn. Thanks so much for your comment.

twentyfive 7 years ago

Thanks for the very interesting hub. I always thought I was left brain thinker, I was wrong LOL

Ret 7 years ago

Thank you for this informative post. What important is we can use them the good way, whether they are in the art or in science. In me, I think I can use both.

PaperNotes 7 years ago

Thanks for this very informative hub. The brain and how precisely it functions every single day of our lives is very amazing. I hope mine would not get tired quickly.

The brain is such a fascinating subject to me. I have a friend that is left handed, however can use his right hand equally for everything except writing. It's really amazing what the brain can do. Thumbs up!

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

Audry, Other than a frontal lobotomy I don't know if you can change much :} But thanks for your comments.

Audrey Kirchner 7 years agofrom Washington

I wonder if I could swap some of my left functions to my right and vice versa - that might help! Great info seriously, Pamela.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

BPOP, I think that is how I turned out too. Thanks for the comment.

Dallas, Very funny. You might be right.

Dallas W Thompson 7 years agofrom Bakersfield, CA

I read left-handed people are in their "right mind."

breakfastpop 7 years ago

Fascinating subject and very well written hub. I think I'm a bit of both.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

SpecialK, Its amazing what we can learn from out children. This is an interesting topic and the fact she is studying it right when I wrote this article. Thanks for sharing that information.

Karen Metz 7 years agofrom Michigan

This is interesting that you wrote this article at this time. My daughter is studying this for her drawing class and has been sharing the information with me. Yesterday she even did some of the right brain/left brain tests on me. She also said that when you write you use your left side of the brain to spell, etc.. but the right side is the side that does the creating. When you get writers block, it is because the two sides are fighting with each other. Interesting!

carolina muscle 7 years agofrom Charlotte, North Carolina

I'm hoping to figure out which side of the brain I use, just as soon as it comes back from the repair shop...

LOL

Great post!

webnatin 7 years ago

When I took a test a few years ago. the result was the dot was almost in the middle. I want to try it again where can I do that.

msorensson 7 years ago

I took some tests and the difference was a matter of 5 points in favor of analytical left versus intuitive right, it means an answer to a single question so I must say I am half and half. Great hub. Thanks Pamela.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

Mentalist Acer, I thought is was right brain that was good with music but when I did that test from that link I was 52 to 48, so how do your figure that out? Thanks for your comment.

Mentalist acer 7 years agofrom A Voice in your Mind!

I've been told that the right brain is used more as a musician,so as a musician I figure my right brain aquired some acuity...though I think geneticaly my left brain is dominate;)

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

Hello, I am glad you enjoyed the hub. Thanks for your comment.

Hello, hello, 7 years agofrom London, UK

You really done a great comprehensive job here, Pamela. I enjoyed reading all these information. Thank you.

Author

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

Cari, That is very interesting about your daughter and maybe that is a good thing. Thanks so much for your comment.

Tom, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub. Thanks for your comments.

Tom Whitworth 7 years agofrom Moundsville, WV

Pamela,

Thank you for the very interesting information in another well researched Hub on brain function.

Cari Jean 7 years agofrom Bismarck, ND

Very interesting info. I voted that I am a right brain thinker and I know my husband is a left brain thinker - I think my daughter follows along with my husband. I find this interesting though because my daugther's brain sufferend damage when she was born but it seems she way more comprehends concrete info rather than abstract. So maybe it was more of her right brain that got damamged. But it is amazing to me that kids or anyone with brain damage it seems that they have other skills or abilities to make up for the damaged area. Anyway, great hub!